New Jacks!

Although I no longer have my own space to make ceramics, I did manage to get a few (very few) jack-o'-lanterns made and fired in time for the season!

 You can still see the video of how I make them at my YouTube channel.

Click on each pic to be taken to the listing, or just head on over to ShellHawk's Creations Etsy store to see all the offerings, including 100% beeswax tea candles and votives!

You can also pick up my limited edition container candle, pictured above. 100% beeswax in an 8 oz. tin, from bees here in Los Angeles.

And thank you, as always, for the support!

New in the Shop

I decided to try a variation on my usual Raku jack-o'-lanterns and actually make them into candles. It was an enormous amount of work, but I think I'm happy with them!

 I even got the beeswax locally!

See morein the ShellHawk's Creations Etsy store!

TKC Cozy Pawz! Rockin' Pet Costumes!

I decided that since this wonderful shop usually sells out around Hallowe'en, I'd release this blog post just a teensy bit early!

Yes, TKC Cozy Pawz custom makes costumes for your dog, your cat, or your -- ? Ferret? 

YES! Yes, it does!

 Lynn Cougar Dodson has quite a coterie of followers due to her high standards. Every review she has mentions the quality of the costumes and the attention to little details, like an eyelet to snap your leash onto your pet's collar.

 And honestly, the ferret spider is an idea whose time has come!

A blue honu (sea turtle) isn't a costume you'll regularly see on the street, nor is the Beagle Knight, below.

Head on over to TKC Cozy Pawz Etsy store to take a gander at their full line of pet clothing!

Handmade Halloween Finds

Sugar Cube Skulls by Dem Bones

It's been a while since I've had the Hallowe'en itch, as much as I hate to admit it! I've been juggling too much, as always, and have made a very deliberate decision to step back and take a breath.

While my plans for World Domination are still an organic process, taking a break from considering where I want the Capital of the World to be (Fiji? Hawaii? Switzerland?) seems to be the sensible thing to do so my ideas can develop further.

To this end, I've been perusing Etsy for the best Hallowe'en things with which to stock my palatial space!

 Those of you who have been following me for a while, know I'm a big fan of Three Sisters Apothecary line of soaps, lotions and all things body care! Emma Mann, the owner, has just released her new (I believe, seasonal) collection, "Summer Solstice." I can tell you it smells like summer! Sun, citrus, and all things light and fresh!

For tootling around town, I found this delightful Hocus Pocus-themed t-shirt! I love it, and you always know who the cool people are by their reaction to the shirt!

 And who doesn't love a sip of adult beverage when they get home from a long, hard day at the cemetery? Sip and read some fine literature simultaneously with this elegant glass!

Sometimes, you just have to get your Hallowe'en bling going on, right? I can't think of a better bracelet than this one. 

I simply adore this pillow by Elliot Heath Designs. I may get one for my bed... 

I think I might know who I'll be for Hallowe'en this year... Ziggy Stardust! Made by Z'Mad Masker, who seems to have a brilliant eye for faces!

In the mood, yet?

Living Art

Click on the pic for a fascinating talk on just being yourself.

Dog Noir

About three months ago, now, my Sam was diagnosed with Splenic Hemangiosarcoma. He came through the surgery very well, but the oncologist told me the usual life expectancy after surgery was three to six months with chemotherapy. 

I just couldn't see putting my boy through that. Fortunately, there are a couple of alternative medicines which seem to have some ability to make him comfortable for however long he has left, and having joined the Hemangiosarcoma Facebook page, I have some hope he may last longer than what the doctor thought. He's still eating and completely ball-obsessed, which is situation normal for him! He's even taken well to the new addition in our home, Grace, a black German Shepherd pup.

Those of you who have followed this blog for a long time know how much I've loved my Sam and can imagine how devastating the diagnosis was for me. I am nowhere near ready to let him go, but since I don't get a vote on that, I decided that I do get a vote on how he's remembered.

Enter Diana Lundin Pet Photography! I found her webwsite through a Facebook ad promoting her "Dog Noir" style photoshoot. 

Since I am a lover of all things atmospheric and spooky, I decided to contact Diana for a session. I explained my (and Sam's) situation, letting her know that sooner would be better than later for a shoot. She expressed her sympathy and suggested a few spots for the shoot. L.A. has numerous locations suitable for a noir-themed photo shoot. We kicked around a few different options, and finally decided on a bridge which was featured in Orson Welles' last film, A Touch of Evil.

It had been rainy all week, and rain was promised for the next day, too, so I was a little nervous we'd have to reschedule. The weather gods were smiling on us, though, and gave us a rain-free afternoon and a beautiful sky with only a few fluffy clouds highlighting the sunset.

To put it mildly, handling two dogs, one of which is a puppy with no concern whatsoever for pleasing you and all manner of interest in bugs and leaves, was difficult. Diana and her photographic assistant came prepared, though, and helped me to get the dogs pointed in the right direction and get me to look appropriately distressed!

She came by the house to drop off the large framed print and the 8" x 10" I ordered, and I was so pleased with the results!

I'm so glad I decided to have Diana do this specific type of shoot for us! I think she caught the dark moodiness of the Noir genre masterfully! Both Sam and Grace look wonderful; and it's not easy to photograph all-black dogs. 

I honestly can't think of a better way to remember him when he's gone. I'll treasure this always!

Two Great Trailers That Go Great Together

Click on each pic to be taken to the individual trailers.

Autumn is looking up, my fiendish friends!

Teapots and Bowls

There are new Needful Things in ShellHawk's Creations Etsy Shop! Click on any of the pics to be taken to the listing.

WIP

New guy in progress. Not sure what the body will be like, but I'm sure he'll tell me!

Also, I have 100% beeswax votives and tea candles in the shop now, so that when my ceramic jacks start getting into the shop, you can get one if you like!

Bone Flautist